Introduction

On August 15, 2025, tragedy struck Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened Celebration Key resort on Grand Bahama Island, where two American tourists drowned in separate incidents within a three-hour span. A day later, on August 16, a third American was severely injured in a shark attack while spearfishing off Big Grand Cay, Bahamas. The incidents, occurring at or near the $600 million private resort, have raised questions about safety protocols at the luxury destination, which opened in July 2025. As the Royal Bahamas Police Force investigates, the events have cast a shadow over the resort’s promise of a carefree vacation experience, prompting scrutiny from travelers and officials alike. This article details the incidents, their aftermath, and the broader implications for tourism in the Bahamas.

The Drownings at Celebration Key

The first incident occurred just before noon on August 15 at Celebration Key, a sprawling private resort exclusive to Carnival Cruise Line guests. A 79-year-old man, a passenger on the Carnival Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, was snorkeling off one of the resort’s beaches when he became unresponsive. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, lifeguards pulled him from the water and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead by medical professionals. Approximately two and a half hours later, at 2:30 p.m., a 74-year-old woman, traveling with her family on the Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, Florida, was found unresponsive in a resort swimming pool. Despite lifeguard efforts to revive her with CPR, she too was pronounced dead.

Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement expressing condolences: “Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate emergency incidents at Celebration Key—one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families, and our Care Team is providing assistance.” The company confirmed both victims were American nationals traveling with family but did not release their identities, pending family notifications.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading investigations into both deaths, with autopsies scheduled to determine the exact causes. Authorities have not indicated foul play, but the proximity of the incidents has heightened scrutiny of safety measures at the resort, which features a 275,000-square-foot lagoon, an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, a beach club, and various recreational amenities.

Shark Attack off Big Grand Cay

In a separate incident on August 16, a 63-year-old American man was attacked by a shark while spearfishing near Big Grand Cay, a remote island in the Abaco chain, approximately 100 miles from Celebration Key. The attack occurred around 1 p.m., leaving the man with severe injuries. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, he was treated at a local clinic before being airlifted to the United States for further medical care. His identity and current condition have not been disclosed.

The Bahamas has one of the highest rates of shark attacks globally, though they remain rare, with 34 confirmed incidents over the past 400 years, according to the International Shark Attack File. Recent attacks include a February 2025 incident in Bimini Bay, where two American women survived a shark attack, and a December 2023 case where a Boston woman died while paddleboarding. The spearfishing attack underscores the risks of marine activities in the region, particularly in areas known for shark populations.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The incidents have sparked concern among travelers and on social media. Posts on X expressed shock, with @CBSEveningNews reporting the drownings as a “tragic day at Carnival’s new resort,” while @TravelSafeUSA questioned lifeguard response times, asking, “How do two drownings happen hours apart with trained staff on duty?” Others, like @BahamasBound, called for stricter safety protocols, noting the resort’s high-profile opening. The shark attack prompted similar reactions, with @OceanWatch warning, “Spearfishing in the Bahamas is no joke—sharks don’t play.”

The drownings, occurring within hours at a resort touted for its safety and luxury, have raised questions about lifeguard training, supervision, and emergency response protocols. Celebration Key, which expects two million visitors annually by 2028, features extensive water-based amenities, making effective oversight critical. Carnival has not detailed specific safety measures but stated it is cooperating fully with police investigations.

Impact on Carnival and Bahamas Tourism

Celebration Key, a $600 million investment by Carnival Cruise Line, opened on July 19, 2025, as a flagship destination for its passengers, offering lagoons, pools, a DJ island, and family-friendly activities. The resort’s promise of a safe, exclusive experience has been tested by these incidents, which occurred less than a month after its launch. Carnival’s stock, already under pressure from rising fuel costs, dipped slightly on August 16, reflecting investor concerns about potential reputational damage.

The Bahamas, a top cruise destination, relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for over 50% of its GDP. The drownings and shark attack could deter visitors, particularly as the region has faced other high-profile incidents, including a 2023 shark attack death and a 2024 shark bite involving a Maryland boy. Local officials are under pressure to reassure tourists, with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism issuing a statement on August 17 emphasizing ongoing safety reviews at private resorts.

Broader Context and Investigations

The drownings come amid other recent incidents involving American tourists in the Bahamas, including a Massachusetts student’s death in 2024 after falling from a balcony and three American women found dead at a Belize resort in 2023. These cases highlight the risks of international travel, even at high-end destinations. The shark attack, while unrelated to Celebration Key, adds to concerns about marine safety, particularly for activities like spearfishing, which can attract sharks due to fish blood in the water.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigations will focus on whether environmental factors, medical conditions, or lapses in oversight contributed to the drownings. Autopsy results, expected within weeks, will clarify whether underlying health issues played a role, as both victims were in their 70s. The shark attack investigation will examine whether the spearfishing occurred in a high-risk area, potentially informing future safety guidelines.

Implications for Travelers

For American tourists, who make up a significant portion of Carnival’s clientele, the incidents underscore the importance of vigilance during water-based activities. Experts recommend checking lifeguard presence, avoiding swimming alone, and researching local marine risks before engaging in activities like snorkeling or spearfishing. Carnival’s Care Team is providing support to the victims’ families, but the company has not announced changes to its safety protocols pending the investigation’s outcome.

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of two American tourists at Celebration Key and the shark attack off Big Grand Cay have cast a somber light on the Bahamas’ tourism industry. As investigations continue, questions about safety at Carnival’s $600 million resort and the risks of marine activities loom large. For travelers, the incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of water-based recreation, even at luxury destinations. With Carnival and Bahamian authorities under scrutiny, the focus now shifts to ensuring such tragedies are prevented, preserving the allure of the Bahamas as a premier vacation destination.